ADHD in Adults - Treatment Options
ADHD is a well-known neurobiological disorder that affects 4.4% of the general population. It is accompanied by high rates of co-morbidity (depression, anxiety, substance abuse) and significant emotional, social, and occupational impairments.
Medications and psychotherapy are both effective treatments for adults suffering from ADHD. Stimulants like methylphenidate or amphetamine are the most commonly prescribed drugs.
Medicines
Many adults suffering from ADHD experience significant improvements in their symptoms and performance as a result of medication. Due to the many different ways that people respond to medication, it is crucial for people with ADHD to find a combination that is most effective.
Adults suffering from ADHD are prescribed stimulants, such as amphetamines and methylphenidate. These stimulants are available as tablets or liquids in an immediate-release (short acting) formulation. They can be taken every three to four hours. treatment for adhd in adults can supplement their immediate-release dose with an extended-release or long-acting medication taken once a day to reduce the need for frequent dosing throughout the day.
Antidepressants such as desipramine have also been found to be effective in treatment of adults suffering from ADHD. This class of medications can be used on its own or in combination with stimulants to increase their effects. However, they can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular side effects, such as a rapid heartbeat, EKG changes, and orthostatic hypotension.
Adults suffering from ADHD can also be treated with alprazolam or clonidine, which are both Alpha-2 adrenergic antagonists. These drugs were initially developed to treat hypertension. They have a calming effect and may improve focus and reduce the amount of hyperactivity and impulsivity in certain adults. These medications can lead to very low blood pressure when they are suddenly stopped, or the dosage is decreased.
Psychotherapy is also useful for adults with ADHD. Individual talk therapy helps them overcome feelings of shame, embarrassment, and resentment against coworkers, supervisors, teachers, and family members that may criticize or nag them. In addition counseling for families and marriages can help couples suffering from ADHD be able to recognize each other's challenges and improve communication.
Behavioral Therapy
Psychosocial therapy for adults with ADHD aims to improve daily functioning by teaching strategies and skills. Psychotherapy can also assist people who suffer from ADHD overcome their low self-esteem and feelings of failure that is often associated with this condition.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists individuals in changing the negative thoughts that cause difficulties in their lives and to develop new ways of thinking and feeling, as well as doing. This short-term and goal-oriented therapy has been shown to be effective in treating various conditions, including anxiety and depression. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with other therapies.
CBT could involve group therapy, which is particularly beneficial for people with ADHD as it offers the opportunity to interact with other people who have similar struggles and to learn how other people manage their ADHD symptoms. It can be delivered in person or via phone. One study compared the results of CBT in comparison to conventional therapy for adults suffering from ADHD and found that both treatments led to improvement in self-report assessments of functioning, symptoms, and quality of life.
CBT has been compared to other psychosocial treatments in adults with ADHD. All of these studies show significant reductions in ADHD symptoms, with effect sizes between medium and large. These improvements were attributed to a variety modalities including cognitive and interpersonal therapy, social skills training, problem solving training, and mindfulness mediation.
However, caution is warranted in comparing the efficacy of different therapies for adult ADHD. It is likely that the differences in the results of treatment are due to a variety of factors, including the treatment characteristics and the measures employed. A few studies have looked into the effectiveness of neurofeedback, a technique that involves wearing an electrode-lined cap while performing cognitive tasks to pinpoint areas in the brain that there is too much or little activity. Then, instructing the person to manage these patterns.
Counseling
Many people suffering from ADHD also suffer from comorbid mood or anxiety disorders that need treatment. Counseling can help address these issues, which could be contributing to ADHD symptoms. Certain psychotherapy methods include the use of interpersonal therapy to improve the capacity of individuals to establish meaningful relationships and to resolve conflicts. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to help control self-destructive, impulsive, and negative behavior that can create problems at school or work.
In certain cases psychotherapy may be utilized in conjunction with medication for adults who are seeking treatment for adhd. People who have comorbid conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse must be assessed carefully to ensure they do not suffer from symptoms that aren't improved by the medications used to treat ADHD. People who suffer from certain medical issues like thyroid disorders, lead poisoning and an history of seizures must be treated more aggressively as they are at a higher risk of complications from medications.
Intensive outpatient programs might be recommended when the person's ADHD is so severe that it significantly affects their daily functioning and quality of life. These programs provide structured treatment that is more intensive than traditional outpatient psychotherapy.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of cognitive therapy, aids people with ADHD to improve their ability to manage time planning, impulse control and executive functioning. It helps them identify and express their feelings and employs worksheets and exercises to make the lessons more interesting. Mindfulness meditation training enhances CBT and improves the ability of people to concentrate and manage their emotions. It also improves a person's capacity to manage the effects of stress and arousal. It can assist them in dealing with sadness, anger, and other difficult feelings that may be contributing towards their ADHD.
Occupational Therapy
Adults suffering from ADHD report difficulties functioning at work and at home. These symptoms can also affect relationships and lead to financial issues. Therapy that addresses these issues can help improve your self-esteem, resolve the root of your issue and establish healthy coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral Therapy is a great treatment for adults suffering from ADHD because it helps you change your negative beliefs and behavior. It concentrates on teaching time management techniques and overcoming thinking distortions which can lead to negative moods and the perception that there are only a few possibilities.
Many people suffering from ADHD have anxiety or depression disorders that are comorbid. These psychiatric conditions can decrease or exacerbate the effectiveness of some medications used to treat ADHD. Therefore, it is recommended to treat the most severe comorbidity and then monitor its response to the medication prior to treating the other disorder.
Occupational therapy can help you manage your life and work by establishing predictable routines, manage your money and time, and develop confidence in yourself. It can also help you learn relaxation techniques that can decrease your impulsivity and hyperactivity. Similarly yoga and other exercises can aid in improving your focus by stabilizing the body in various poses.
Family and marriage counseling can help address the issues that people with ADHD frequently create for their spouses, children and their families. They often complain of being unreliable and disorganized. They are also prone to forget things or make impulsive choices. Therapy and classes where spouses and other family members are educated on ADHD can help you build healthier relationships. Moreover it can help you and your loved ones to understand that these problems are related to the patient's ADHD rather than to a lack of caring or an unwillingness to cooperate.
Clinical Trials
Adult ADHD is a highly prevalent neurobiological disorder. It is often accompanied by co-occurring conditions like depression, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. Treatment options include psychosocial and medical interventions. A variety of medications are available for adults suffering from ADHD and a few of them have been tested in clinical trials. These studies have exposed the strengths and drawbacks of the various medications.
Adults suffering from ADHD may have the same symptoms that children do, but it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms of childhood may not persist in adulthood. Adults who suffer from ADHD may also not have an ancestral history of the disorder, or may not remember symptoms. It is essential to take an extensive medical history to determine whether the symptoms are caused by an illness, such as thyroid problems, sleep apnea or hearing and vision issues.
Adult medications for ADHD generally fall into two categories: stimulants and other non-stimulant medications. The stimulants have the highest response rates for adults with ADHD. Their rates of responsiveness range from 70% to 80%. The most popular stimulants are methylphenidate and amphetamine compounds. Methylphenidate can also be found in a transdermal system, which permits continuous drug delivery throughout the day.
Nonstimulant medicines for adults suffering from ADHD are mostly tricyclic antidepressants that target norepinephrine and dopamine. Desipramine is the most studied tricyclic drug and has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a low-dose medication which should be increased each seven days by 50mg until the desired effect is observed.
Bupropion XL is a different antidepressant which has been proven to be effective for adults suffering from ADHD. It is a dopamine-agonist that works by blocking norepinephrine reuptake at the presynaptic transportationer which increases its accessibility to the brain. This drug is known to improve the mood of adults and decrease hyperactivity, but it's not as effective in improving cognitive function or concentration as stimulants.